William visits pregnant Kate in hospital amid royal baby congratulations

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced last night they are expecting a baby (Picture: Getty/File)

Prince William arrived at King Edward VII Hospital this morning and immediately went to see his wife, having spent yesterday at her bedside.

Yesterday’s eagerly-anticipated announcement was tinged with concern after Kate was admitted to hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum, very acute morning sickness, having been taken there by car from Bucklebury in Berkshire, where her parents Michael and Carole Middleton live.

It is understood that Kate has not yet passed the 12-week point and confirmation of her pregnancy was instead sparked by her morning sickness, which causes severe vomiting.

UK prime minister David Cameron led congratulations to the royal couple, both 30, last night.

‘It’s absolutely wonderful news and I’m delighted for them,’ he said. ‘I’m sure they will make absolutely brilliant parents, and I’m sure everyone around the country will be celebrating with them tonight.’

In a statement issued yesterday, St James’s Palace said: ‘The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.

‘The Duchess was admitted this afternoon to King Edward VII Hospital in central London with hyperemesis gravidarum. As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter.’

Prince William leaves King Edward VII Hospital in central London where his wife has been admitted (Picture: PA)

It is understood that Harry, who serves as an Apache helicopter co-pilot in Afghanistan, was informed of the news via email.

Julia Gillard, the prime minister of Australia, said the pregnancy was ‘delightful news’, while John Key, prime minister of New Zealand, wished Kate a speedy recovery.

Jay Carney, US president Barack Obama’s spokesperson, said: ‘On behalf of everyone here in the White House, beginning with the President and the First Lady, we extend our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the welcome news this morning out of London that they are expecting their first child.’

Outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, who married the couple in Westminster Abbey in April last year, added: ‘The whole nation will want to join in celebrating this wonderful news.

‘We wish the Duchess the best of health and happiness in the months ahead.’